HPAI virus exposure in goats and sheep in Pakistan
A new study from Pakistan investigates the seroprevalence of influenza A and B viruses in goats and sheep in Punjab Province, Pakistan, with a particular focus on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtypes. A total of 794 serum samples were collected from goats (n=459) and sheep (n=335) between May and October 2023, primarily from areas near commercial chicken farms. The study found varying seroprevalence rates of influenza A and B viruses among the sampled goats and sheep across different geographical locations in Punjab. The sera were tested against 12 different influenza A and B virus antigens, including several HPAI subtypes such as H5N1, H5N8, H7N9, and H9N2, as well as seasonal human influenza strains.
Overall, the study shows a substantial number of sera positive against the NA of H1N1/pdm09 in both goats and sheep that were also positive against the H5, H7, and H9 antigens. The study detected a significant seroprevalence of avian influenza A viruses (AIV) in goats and sheep in Punjab, Pakistan, indicating that these animals have been exposed to H5, H7, and H9 subtypes. This suggests a potential risk for the transmission of these viruses from poultry to livestock.
The findings underscore the potential risk of zoonotic transmission of avian influenza viruses from livestock to humans, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance and preventive measures in agricultural settings.
